Some farm groups are attacking a federal investigation into whether U.S. blueberry growers are being seriously harmed by an increasing volume of imported berries.
The probe, requested by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and funded by blueberry growers, could undercut the new North American trade pact and invite retaliatory tariffs, according to 32 farms groups and food companies.
American Blueberry Growers Alliance attorney Stephen Orava said blueberry farmers are pursuing an investigation authorized by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, as well as U.S. and international trade laws.
âItâs important to have this objective, legal process proceed,â he said Monday. âThis is a process both Canada and Mexico have agreed to.â